The oddball machine is immediately recognisable thanks to air-filled "airbump" pockets on its doors that protect the car from low-speed impacts. It also offers immense levels of customisation. Early bird customers can choose from 23,194 possible colour and trim combinations until the end of the year.

After that, Citroen will offer the most popular combinations as pre-set packages.

The car is fitted as standard with a 7-inch touchscreeen loaded with sat nav and a digital radio, along with 17-inch alloys, climate control, a reversing camera and more.

The Citroen C4 Cactus arrives in Australia next year. Photo: Supplied

The new C4 Cactus arrives in February.

The Cactus will compete in the booming baby SUV segment against the likes of the Mazda CX-3, Honda HR-V and Renault Captur.